Is Command Undead Permanent? Unraveling the Necromantic Enslavement

The question of whether Command Undead offers permanent control over undead creatures is a common one among D&D 5E players delving into necromancy. The short answer is: no, Command Undead is not permanent. While it grants a significant level of control, it is ultimately a temporary effect with specific limitations. Understanding these limitations and how Command Undead differs from similar abilities is crucial for any aspiring necromancer. Let’s delve deeper into the mechanics and nuances of commanding the undead.

The Limitations of Command Undead

The most common form of Command Undead stems from a spell or a Channel Divinity option, both of which have distinct durations. A common version of the Command Undead spell, usually a 2nd-level spell, typically has a duration of 1 day per caster level. While this might seem lengthy, it’s far from permanent. Additionally, this type of Command Undead often targets only one undead creature per casting.

Another version appears as a Channel Divinity option, such as that often used by clerics and paladins. This typically allows control for 24 hours, or until the Channel Divinity feature is used again. In this case, control is also not permanent, and you will need to refresh the effect frequently.

What these two mechanics have in common is a Wisdom Saving Throw mechanic for the target undead. If the undead creature succeeds, the effect fails. This limits the efficacy of the ability if facing particularly strong-willed undead. While the undead is under control, it will follow the caster’s commands.

Finally, some abilities may state that if a creature’s intelligence is too high, Command Undead simply fails. For example, an ability might read: “Command Undead can permanently control an undead creature as long as its intelligence is 11 or lower, and it fails a CHA saving throw”. As this line demonstrates, the requirement for permanent control (which is not the norm for command undead) is conditional.

Contrasting with Control Undead

It’s crucial not to confuse Command Undead with Control Undead. While both involve manipulating the undead, they operate very differently. The Control Undead spell or feature usually has a much shorter duration, often measured in minutes instead of days. It might also have a limit on the combined hit dice (HD) of undead that can be affected, usually on the order of 2 HD/level, but can often affect multiple targets simultaneously in a specific burst area.

The key takeaway here is that Command Undead focuses on a single target for a longer duration, while Control Undead affects a group of undead for a shorter time. Neither offers permanent control, emphasizing the temporary nature of necromantic influence.

Why No Permanent Control?

The absence of truly permanent Command Undead is a design choice that maintains balance within the game. Allowing players to indefinitely control powerful undead creatures would create a significant power imbalance. Imagine a low-level character permanently enslaving a vampire; such a scenario would dramatically skew the game dynamics.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are 15 Frequently Asked Questions to help you further understand the nuances of Command Undead:

1. What is the difference between Command Undead and Control Undead?

Command Undead typically affects one target for a long duration (often days), while Control Undead can affect multiple undead but for a shorter duration (usually minutes). Command Undead is often implemented as a spell or special class feature, while control undead is often a divine power.

2. Does the Command spell work on undead?

The Command spell is different from Command Undead. It allows you to issue a one-word command to a creature. However, the Command spell does not work on undead or creatures that don’t understand your language.

3. How does Command Undead work?

Command Undead forces an undead target to make a saving throw, typically a Wisdom or Charisma save. If they fail, they must obey your commands for the spell’s duration, usually one day per level or 24 hours.

4. Can Turn Undead destroy undead?

Turn Undead, a class feature often available to clerics and paladins, doesn’t destroy undead on its own. At higher levels, however, an ability that destroys undead of low CR that fail their save is usually granted.

5. How many times can Turn Undead be used?

Turn Undead can be used as many times per encounter and per day as needed. There is no limit on its usage, which makes it very useful for encounters against undead hordes.

6. Does Control Undead work on vampires?

Control Undead can theoretically work on vampires. However, vampires often have high Wisdom scores, making them difficult to control. Also, their resistance to non-magical weapon damage makes them difficult to damage as well.

7. What is the strongest type of undead?

Some of the strongest undead include Liches, Mind Flayer Liches, Nightwalkers, Demiliches, and Death Knights. These creatures are challenging and require specific strategies to defeat.

8. What is the best undead to use Command Undead on?

The ideal target for Command Undead is an undead creature with low Intelligence, and ideally low Wisdom or Charisma, depending on the exact version of the ability. Examples include Vampire Spawn or Skeletons. Stronger undead, like Nightwalkers, are great if the player character can actually influence it.

9. What is the range of Command Undead?

The range of Command Undead varies depending on the source of the ability but is usually around 30 feet. Sometimes the spell version has a range of 60 feet. Always check the ability’s description for specific details.

10. Can Cure Wounds heal undead?

Cure Wounds specifically states it cannot heal undead or constructs. This is because of the spell’s interaction with living matter.

11. Can a necromancer control a vampire?

While Necromancers may have an easier time creating or raising undead, controlling a vampire directly is challenging. Vampires often have high intelligence and resist mind control. The Control Undead feature might offer some temporary influence.

12. What damage are undead immune to?

Undead are often immune to death effects, disease, mind-affecting effects, paralysis, poison, sleep, and stun. They also are often immune to any effect that requires a Fortitude saving throw unless the effect also works on objects or is harmless.

13. Do undead count as dead?

While undead are technically deceased, they are considered reanimated. They are classified as undead instead of dead creatures. This is a crucial distinction for spells and abilities.

14. Can undead be blinded?

Yes, most undead can be blinded unless specifically stated otherwise. Specific spells or effects that only affect living creatures, however, may not work against undead.

15. Are undead weak to silver?

Not all undead are weak to silver. Silver weapons are particularly effective against shapechangers, devils, and other creatures. Silver isn’t automatically a weakness for undead, though it can sometimes be useful against them.

Conclusion

In summary, while Command Undead offers powerful control over undead creatures, it is not permanent. It is designed as a temporary advantage that requires careful management and repeated casting. Understanding the limitations and nuances of Command Undead, as well as its differences from Control Undead, is key to effectively utilizing necromantic abilities in D&D 5E. The temporary nature of these powers is essential to maintain the game’s balance and challenge, encouraging players to plan strategically instead of relying on permanent solutions.